Jewelry Industry Terminology – What is a Diamond Grading Report?

Shopping for diamond engagement or eternity rings for the first time leaves some consumers overwhelmed with the seemingly foreign terminology and grading systems that are prominent in the jewelry industry. Intermingled with talk of the four Cs, diamond shape and color grading, shoppers may encounter mention of the term “certificate” or “diamond grading report” in relation to diamonds. Though the term “certificate” is still widely used by people in the industry, “diamond grading report” is becoming the more preferred terminology. A diamond grading report is a document issued by an independent laboratory that describes in detail the identifying characteristics of a diamond as analyzed by a diamond grader.

First, the distinction between a diamond grading report and an appraisal stands to be clarified. A diamond grading report is prepared by a major gemological institute and represents precise characteristics of an individual diamond, while an appraisal ascribes a monetary value to the diamond. Grading reports describe individual characteristics of the quality of a diamond, but do not assign the diamond a value. By contrast, an appraisal assigns a value to a diamond but does not authenticate its quality. However, the information contained within a diamond grading report can influence the value of a diamond reflected in an appraisal. A diamond grading report is designed to provide concrete diamond quality information that outlasts diamond market price fluctuations.

A number of gemological institutes certify diamonds worldwide, though arguably the most widely recognized diamond grading reports in the United States are performed by the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) and the American Gem Society (AGS). So what type of information does a diamond grading report provide us?

First, an individual diamond described in a report is identified by a unique number called a certificate or report number. Included in the report are specific measurements of the diamond to one hundredth of a millimeter accuracy, as well as its exact carat weight. The clarity and color grade of a diamond are also analyzed based on widely accepted metrics, and values are included in the diamond grading report. Another important metric included in the report is a description of the diamond finish, which encompasses the polish quality as well as the diamond’s symmetry. A diamond’s fluorescence as noted by the diamond grader is another included feature. A graphical representation of the diamond depicts the existence and location of imperfections that help identify the stone and affect its value. In addition to the concrete values determined to be associated with an individual diamond, a comments section is included to cover other identifying characteristics that further define a diamond’s quality.

About the Author: Ian Maher is the CEO of Maliere, a leading provider of eternity rings and other diamond platinum rings and gold rings. For more information, please visit www.Maliere.com.